Compressor



July 29, 1969 R. K. CATTERSON COMPRESSOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 13 1967 m INVENTOR.

July 29, 1969 R. K. CATTERSON 3,458,114

COMPRESSOR Filed March 13, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 w E INVENTOR,

July 29, 1969 R. K. CATTERSON 3,453,114

COMPRESSOR 4 Filed March 13, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I N VENTOR.

J g g A'VIORNEYS M [W'- July 29, 1969 R. K. CATTERSON 3,458,114

COMPRESSOR Filed March 13, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 a .2 44 l H 1a M 114 l; 1 I lull I I J 4 3 148 fiaerfiafiersozz July 29, 1969 R. K. CATTERSON 3,458,114

COMPRESSOR Filed March 13 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

In Law ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,458,114 COMPRESSOR Robert K. Catterson, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to Champion Pneumatic Machinery Company, Inc., Princeton, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Filed Mar. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 622,498 Int. Cl. F04b 35/00 U.S. Cl. 230-58 25 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An air compressor having reciprocating pistons driven from a wobble plate, which is in turn driven directly from the output shaft of a prime mover. The pistons are mounted in cylinders which have an intake and exhaust port at one end of each in communication with intake and exhaust manifolds. An oil pump is formed of a hollow plunger or piston having an aperture in one surface thereof and mounted for rotary and reciprocal movement in a cylinder having an intake conduit and an output conduit. The rotary and reciprocal movement is generated by the wobble plate and forces oil from the intake conduit to the cylinder in one cycle and forces oil from the cylinder to the output conduit in the other cycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates generally to a fluid pump and more particularly to an air compressor having reciprocating pistons driven from a wobble plate which is mounted for rotation directly on the output shaft of a prime mover.

Description of the prior art Many of the known and conventional piston compressors are generally self-contained units. In order to drive such compressors from a prime mover, a separate power transmission system is required between the prime mover and the compressor. It is necessary to maintain the compressor, prime mover, and power transmission system properly aligned with one another in such prior art structures. Consequently, a common mounting base is required between the several components to maintain proper alignment. Furthermore, in the case of a belt drive between the prime mover and the compressor, provision must be made for a take-up of the belt slack. Most of these prior art compressors employ the standard slidercrank mechanism, with crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. Consequently, hearings are required to support the crankshaft of the compressor. Furthermore, in those prior art structures which employ fewer than six cylinders, it has been difiicult in many instances to balance all of the inertia forces and couples.

In order to overcome the drive coupling and mounting problems, some of the prior art structures construct the prime mover and compressor as a single unit. The most common example is an internal combustion engine and compressor employing the same block. However, this type of unit is usually constructed for one purpose. As a result, production quantities are usually low with increased manufacturing costs. As compared with the separate engine and compressor units, a standard general purpose engine can be employed at lower cost.

Another type of compressor known in the prior art employs a Z crank mechanism with the pistons movable parallel to the drive shaft. This structure provides a very compact unit and, with three or more pistons, can be easily balanced. However, these structures also require a separate power transmission drive to connect it to the prime mover. In addition, bearings must also be employed to support the compressor drive shaft.

3,458,l l4 Patented July 29, 1969 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gas compressor which eliminates the need for a separate power transmission system for coupling the same to a prime mover.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas compressor which eliminates the need for a common mounting base for maintaining proper alignment with an associated prime mover.

Still another object of the present invention is to pro vide a gas compressor which eliminates the need for a belt drive for coupling the compressor to an associated prime mover.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a gas compressor which eliminates the need for bearings to support the compressor drive shaft.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a gas compressor which is properly balanced with respect to inertia forces and couples.

And still a further object of the present invention is to provide a gas compressor which is adapted for mounting on or being coupled to more than one type of motor, including a standard general purpose motor, and which can be easily removed from the motor or prime mover.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas compressor having an oil pump which is driven directly from the mechanism which causes reciprocation of the compressor pistons.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a gas compressor or pump mounted directly on an associated prime mover with the output shaft of the prime mover forming the drive shaft for the compressor. That is, the mechanism which causes the pistons of the compressor to reciprocate is mounted directly on the drive shaft of the associated prime mover. Consequently, the need for a compressor drive shaft and its related bearings is completely eliminated.

Another feature of the present invention resides in the provision of adapting the means which mount the compressor to the prime mover, such as bolts, to carry the gas pressure forces of the compressor.

Still another feature of the present invention resides in the provision of an oil pump which is driven directly from the mechanism which causes reciprocation of the compressor pistons.

These and other objects, features and advantages are realized by the present invention which generally includes a plate which is disposed for being mounted at an oblique angle with respect to an output shaft of an associated prime mover, which plate has a component of movement at peripheral portions thereof parallel to the axis of the shaft, 2. piston mounted in a cylinder, and means for transmitting the component of movement of the plate which is parallel to the axis of the shaft to the piston. By the provision of intake and exhaust valves at one end of the cylinder, a fluid can be transferred from an intake conduit to an exhaust conduit. The component of movement parallel to the axis of the shaft provides a reciprocating movement to the piston with respect to the cylinder and the valve means. The same reciprocating movement can be imparted to a plunger which forms an oil pump for the compressor. By the provision of a beveled surface on one end of the plunger which engages a surface of the plate, a rotary motion is imparted to the plunger. The plunger is hollow with a bolt or aperture formed in one surface thereof which cooperates with an inlet and outlet port in opposite surfaces of the cylinder. The rotary motion of the plunger provides fluid communication with only one of the ports at a given time with rotation of the plunger and the reciprocating movement thereof first draws fluid into the cylinder and then forces it out of the cylinder at the outlet port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention, however, with all of the objects, features and advantages thereof will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the compressor of the present invention mounted on a gasoline engine and connected to an air reservoir tank;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side view of the compressor unit illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an end view of the compressor constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the sump chamber housing removed and a portion of the wobble plate broken away;

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the compressor constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention as viewed from the opposite end thereof to that end illustrated in FIGURE 3 with the end or manifold portion removed and with the several valve plates broken away;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the valves of the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of the head or intake and exhaust manifold for the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of one of the valve plates including the valve ports for the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of a valve plate including the valve members for the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is another valve plate including valve ports for the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is an elevational view of a plunger employed in the oil pump mechanism of the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is a broken-out view in section of the oil ump mechanism including the plunger illustrated in FIGURE 10 and employed in the compressor of the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a sectional view taken generally along line XII-XII of FIGURE 11; and

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view of the oil pump mechanism with the plunger rotated 180 from that illustrated in FIGURE 12.

Like reference numerals throughout the various views of the drawings are intended to designate the same or similar structures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the drawings in detail, and in particularly to FIGURE 1, there is shown a compressor constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated with the reference numeral 20, mounted on a gasoline engine 22. The compressor is disposed for supplying compressed air to a reservoir tank 23. It is to 'be understood that any type of motor or engine, including an electric motor which has an output shaft or can be adapted with an output shaft can !be employed for driving the pump or compressor 20 of the present invention. The gasoline engine 22 generally includes a block, generally designated with the reference numeral 24, which includes a piston cylinder and which houses a piston and connecting rod (the cylinder, piston and connecting rod are not shown). A crankcase 26 of the engine houses the crankshaft and crankshaft bearings (not shown). The engine 22 is also provided with a. head 28, a fuel tank 30, and all of the other components normally constitute a gasoline engine.

The compressor 20 is provided with an air cleaner 32 mounted on an inlet conduit and with an outlet conduit 34. A shroud 36 encloses the compressor and includes a plurality of apertures 38 therein for permitting the passage of cooling air therethrough. The compressor 20 is also provided with a vent 40 attached to the sump chamher to allow the blowby gases to escape therefrom. The compressor 20 is also provided with mounting flanges 42 which engage cooperable mounting flanges on the crankcase 26 of the engine 22 and receive mounting bolts 44 therein. As will be explained hereinbelow, the mounting bolts 44 carry the gas pressure forces developed within the compressor 20.

The outlet conduit 34 of the compressor 20 is connected by means of a line 45 to the air reservoir tank 23. A meter 47 is connected to the reservoir tank 23 to provide an indication of the air pressure therein. As previously mentioned, the compressor 20 can be mounted on and driven by an electrical motor. In particular applications, such as gasoline stations, where a source of pressurized air is required at all times, the compressor 20 would be employed with an electric motor, an air reservoir tank, and means responsive to the tank pressure for starting and stopping the motor to maintain the air pressure therein within prescribed limits. That is, when the pressure within the air reservoir tank 23 reaches a predetermined lower limit, the electric motor is started and the compressor '20 supplies air to the reservoir tank 23. When the pressure within the reservoir tank 23 reaches a predetermined upper limit, the electric motor is stopped until air has been removed from the reservoir tank and the pressure therein is reduced to the predetermined lower limit.

The internal configuration of the compressor 20 is illustrated more clearly in the sectional view of FIGURE 2. As shown therein, the compressor 20 includes a sump chamber 46 defined by a sump housing 48. The mounting flanges 42 are formed integrally with the sump housing 48 and are formed with a counterbore 50 therein which is disposed for receiving an end of the crankcase 26 of the engine 22 therein. An end of the crankcase cover 26 of the engine 22 is indicated by the phantom line designated with the reference numeral 52. A crankshaft 54 of the engine 22 extends from the end of the crankcase cover 26 through an aperture 53 in the sump housing which includes an oil seal 56 therein. The shaft 54 is tapered at an end portion 58 thereof. A shaft 60 is internally conformably shaped at one end thereof to the tapered end portion 58 of the crankshaft 54. The shaft 60 supports a wobble plate 62 at one end thereof which is mounted at an oblique angle with respect to a central aXis of the crankshaft 54.

The compressor shaft 60 is cylindrically shaped except for that portion which is conformably shaped to the tapered end portion 58 of the crankshaft 54. A tapped hole is provided in an end of the crankshaft 54 and receives the threaded end of a bolt 64 therein. A collar 66 is disposed in one end of the shaft 60 through which the bolt 64 passes. The bolt 64 also supports a fan 68 on one end of the shaft 60. Therefore, rotation of the crankshaft 54 of the engine 22 causes the shaft 60 to rotate, which in turn causes the fan 68 and the wobble plate 62 to rotate. Since the wobble plate 62 is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to a central axis of the shaft 54, rotation thereof will produce a component of movement at the peripheral edges thereof which is parallel to the central axis of the crankshaft. By rotation of the crankshaft 54 through from the position as illustrated in FIGURE 2, the wobble plate 62 will move to the position depicted by the phantom line outline thereof designated with the reference numeral 70. The compressor shaft 60 with the wobble plate 62 and fan 68 mounted thereon are entirely supported by the crankshaft 54 of the engine 22. The remaining compressor components are supported independently of the compressor shaft 60, by means of the bolts 44 which engage the crankcase cover 26 of the engine 22.

A cylinder block 72 is mounted on the sump housing 48 and is maintained in proper alignment therewith by means of dowels (not shown) extending from edges of the sump housing 48 and engageable with holes 74 in the cylinder block 72 (see FIGURE 3). The cylinder block 72 includes a plurality of cylinders or piston bores 76 therein. A valve assembly, generally designated with the reference numeral 78 encloses one end of the cylinders 76. A head or intake and exhaust manifold 80 is provided with a plurality of bosses 82 (see FIG- URE 3) which receive the bolts 44 therethrough and clamp the head 80 and the valve assembly 78 to the cylinder block 72. In this manner, the entire assembly including the head 80, valve assembly 78, cylinder block 72, and sump housing 48 are supported on the crankcase cover 26 of the engine 22. By such arrangement, all of the gas pressure forces of the compressor are carried by the bolts 44. A mounting boss 83 allows the compressor 20 to be bolted to a base or frame to which the engine 22 may also be mounted.

A plurality of pistons 84 are each slidably mounted in a respective one of the cylinders 76. A connecting rod 86 is secured to each piston 84 by means of a screw 88 and includes a U-shaped portion 90 at one end thereof which is positioned over a peripheral edge of the Wobble plate 62. One wall of the U-shaped portion 90 includes a spherical cavity 92 in which a ball 94 is seated. A slider 96 also includes a spherical cavity in one surface thereof for pivotal movement on the ball 94 and a flat surface engageable with a peripheral surface of the wobble plate 62. The other wall of the U-shaped portion 90 includes a hole which is threaded to receive a stud 98 therein which is secured to a ball 100. A slider 102 includes a spherical cavity in one surface thereof for pivotal movement on the ball 100 and a flat surface which engages a peripheral surface of the wobble plate 62. The stud 98 can be adjusted for proper clearance of the slider 102 with respect to the wobble plate 62 and can be locked by a nut 103. The sliders 96 and 102 engage opposite surfaces of the Wobble plate 62 and are preferably made of bronze or other suitable material to permit slidable engagement therebetween.

As the wobble plate 62 rotates, the pistons 84 are provided with reciprocal movement Within the cylinders 76. When the wobble plate 62 has moved to the position depicted by the phantom line outline thereof designated with the reference numeral 70', the piston 84, connecting rod 86, balls 94 and 100, and sliders 96 and 102 are moved to the respective positions depicted by the phantom line outline of those elements. The sliders 96 and 102 are rotatable on the balls 94 and 100 and assume a position dictated by the relationship of the wobble plate 62 with respect thereto. As the wobble plate 62 rotates, a fluid, such as air, is drawn into the respective cylinder 76 when the piston 84 is being moved to the position illustrated in full lines in FIGURE 2. As the wobble plate 62 is further rotated to move one of the pistons 84 into the respective cylinder 76, the fluid is forced out of that cylinder.

The head 80 includes an intake passage 104 and an exhaust passage 106. Portions of the valve assembly 78 adjacent the inlet passage 104 permit the passage of a fluid, such as air, into the cylinders 76, but restrict the passage of air from the cylinders 76 to the passage 104. The other portions of the valve assembly 78 adjacent the outlet passage 106 permit the passage of the fluid from the cylinders 76 to the outlet passage 106, but restrict the passage of the fluid from the passage 106 into the cylinders 76. Consequently, as the pistons 84 reciprocate within the cylinders 76, the fluid is drawn from the intake passage 104 into the cylinders 76 and then forced from the cylinders 76 into the outlet passage 106. The valve assembly 78 is formed of a pair of valve plates 108 and 110 and a flexible member 112 in which is formed the movable valve members. The plates 108 and 110* include valve seats for the valve members which permit unidirectional flow of fluid therethrough. The valve assembly 78, however, will be explained in greater detail in the description of the figures given hereinbelow.

The cylinder block 72 includes a plurality of cooling fins 114 mounted on an exterior portion thereof adjacent each cylinder 76. The head 80 also includes a plurality of radially extending cooling fins 116. The shroud 36 is secured to the cooling fins 114 by means of bolts 118 and to, the cooling fins 116 by means of bolts 120. The fins 114 are uncovered at an end portion thereof, designated with the reference numeral 122. Rotation of the fan 68 draws air into the open end portion 122, across the fins 114 and 116 and out through the apertures 38 of the shroud 36 to cool the cylinder block 72 and the head 80.

An oil pump, generally designated with the reference numeral 124 is also operated by the wobble plate 62 to lubricate the cylinders 76, pistons 84, and the wobble plate 62. The oil pump 124 lifts oil from an oil reservoir 126 and supplies it to the various moving parts of the compressor. The oil reservoir 126 is formed in the lower portion of the sump housing 48 and the cylinder block 72. Ribs 128 and 130 in the cylinder block and the sump housing respectively, form the upper wall portion of the oil reservoir 126.

The oil pump 124 is formed of a cylinder 132 which receives a hollow plunger 134 therein. The plunger 134 is biased outwardly of the cylinder 132 by means of a spring 136. On end of the plunger 134 includes a beveled surface 138 which engages a surface of the wobble plate 62. As the wobble plate 62 is rotated, the plunger 134 is provided with reciprocating movement in the cylinder 132 and, because of the beveled surface 138, is provided with rotary movement in the cylinder 132. A slot 140 (see FIGURE 10) in the side of the plunger 134 cooperates with inlet and outlet ports in the cylinder 132 during rotation of the plunger 134 to draw oil from the oil reservoir 126 through a tube 142 into the cylinder 132 and further to discharge the oil from the cylinder 132 onto the wobble plate 62. The details of the oil pump 124 will be explained in greater detail in the description of the figures given hereinbelow.

FIGURE 3 illustrates an end view of the compressor 20 as viewed from the righthand side of FIGURE 2 with the sump housing 48 removed and a portion of the wobble plate 62 broken away. As illustrated therein, the cylinders 76 and associated pistons 84 are disposed in a symmetrical arrangement around the central axis of the compressor. In the present exemplification of the invention, the compressor employs three pistons, but it is to be understood that any number of pistons may be employed. The outlet conduit 34 extends from one side of the compressor 20 and provides fluid communication with the outlet passage 106 of the head 80. The air cleaner 32 is secured to one end of an inlet conduit 144 which is in fluid communication with the inlet passage 106 of the head 80.

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the compressor 20 as viewed from the lefthand side of FIGURE 2 with a portion of the shroud 36, the fan 68, and the head 80 removed therefrom. Furthermore, portions of the valve plates 108 and 110 and the flexible member 112 are broken away to more clearly illustrate the cooperation between the several elements of the valve assembly 78. As viewed in FIGURE 4, the flexible member 112 over- 7 lies the valve plate 108 and the valve plate 110 overlies the flexible member 112.

FIGURE illustrates a detailed view in section of one the valves formed by the valve plates 108 and 110 and the flexible member 112.

FIGURES 6-9 are elevational views of the head 80, valve plate 110, flexible member 112, and valve plate 108 respectively.

The valve plates 108 and 110 and the flexible member 112 form an inlet valve and a discharge valve at the end of each cylinder 76. Each discharge valve is formed by a discharge port 146 in the valve plate 108, a discharge valve member 148 in the flexible member 112, and a discharge aperture 150 in the plate 110. Disposed in each discharge aperture is a valve stop 152. As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the valve member 148 seats against the valve port 146 until the pressure on the valve port side thereof exceeds the pressure on the opposite side thereof and the valve member 148 is flexed downwardly to engage the valve stop 152 and permit the passage of fluid through the port 146 and the aperture 150. Each inlet valve is formed of an inlet port 154 in the valve member 110, an inlet valve member 156 in the flexible member 112, and an inlet aperture 158 in the valve plate 108. A valve stop 160 is disposed in each of the inlet apertures 158. Each of the inlet valves are identical to the discharge valves, and permit the flow of fluid therethrough in only one direction.

FIGURES l0-l3 illustrate in greater detail the oil pump 124 which is operated by the wobble plate 62 to lift oil from the reservoir 126 and pump it to the moving parts of the compressor 20. In particular, FIGURE illustrates an elevational view of the plunger 134. The beveled end surface 138 thereof engages the wobble plate 62 and causes the plunger 134 to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the wobble plate 62. An aperture 162 extends from the beveled surface 138 to an interior portion of the plunger 134. The plunger 134 is hollow at one end 164 thereof as indicated by the reference numeral 166, which hollow portion terminates in a shoulder 168. The aperture 162 and the hollow portion 166 are joined together by an aperture 170 which receives a tube 172 therein. The slot 140 provides fluid communication between an external surface of the plunger 134 and the hollow portion 166 thereof. The spring 136 (see FIG- URE 2) engages a bottom surface of the cylinder 132 and extends into the hollow portion 166 and abuts with the shoulder 168. An inlet aperture or port 174 is provided in one wall of the cylinder 132 and is disposed for receiving an end of the tube 142 therein. A discharge aperture or port 176 is provided in a wall of the cylinder 132 opposite the inlet aperture 174.

FIGURE 12 illustrates the position of the slot 140 with respect to the inlet aperture 174 and discharge aperture 176 when the plunger 134 is at an intermediate position in the reciprocal movement thereof and moving into the cylinder 132.

FIGURE 13 illustrates the position of the slot 140 with respect to the inlet aperture 174 and discharge aperture 176 when the plunger 134 is at an intermediate position in the reciprocal movement thereof and moving outwardly of the cylinder 132. As the plunger 134 moves outwardly of the cylinder 132, oil is drawn from the reservoir 126, through the tube 142 and the inlet aperture 174 into the cylinder 132. The discharge aperture 176 is blocked during movement of the plunger outwardly of the cylinder 132 and the cylinder 132 is filled with oil. As the plunger 134 rotates further, the inlet aperture 174 is blocked and depression of the plunger 134 forces oil out of the cylinder 132 to the discharge aperture 176. As illustrated in FIGURE 2, the oil which is discharged from the discharge aperture 176 is picked up by the wobble plate 62 and flows outwardy along the plate due to the centrifugal force exerted thereon and lubricates the pistons 84 and the sliders 96 and 102.

The principles of the invention explained in connection with the specific exemplifications thereof will suggest many other applications and modifications of the same. It is accordingly desired that, in construing the breadth of the appended claims they shall not be limited to the specific details shown and described in connection with the exemplifications thereof.

The invention claimed is:

1. A pump, comprising:

(a) a cylinder having a central axis,

(b) a shaft,

(c) means for mounting said 'shaft for rotary movement with respect to the axis of said cylinder,

(d) a plate mounted obliquely on said shaft for rotation therewith, and said plate having a component of movement at peripheral portions thereof parallel to the axis of said cylinder,

(e) a piston slidably mounted in said cylinder,

(f) means for connecting one end of said piston with a peripheral portion of said plate to impart said component of movement parallel to the axis of said cylinder to said piston while permitting said plate to rotate relative to said piston without causing the rotation of the latter, and

(g) a head closing one end of said cylinder and having inlet and outlet valve means formed therein, said head including a pair of rigid, parallel plate members and a flexible member interposed between said plate members in a laminated arrangement, said plate members each having an intake valve port and an exhaust valve port formed therein overlying said cylinder, said flexible members having a pair of substantially U-shaped slits forming a flexible valve member for said intake valve and said exhaust valve, said intake valve ports of said plate members configured to only permit said flexible valve members associated therewith to flex inwardly of said cylinders in response to a decrease in pressure therewithin for permitting ingress of fluid thereinto, and said exhaust valve ports configured to only permit said flexible valve members associated therewith to flex outwardly of said cylinders in response to an increase in pressure therewithin for permitting egress of fluid therefrom.

2. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising an air reservoir tank connected to said compressor.

3. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a head having inlet and outlet passages communicating with said valve means.

4. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 3, further comprising an air reservoir tank connected to said outlet passage.

5. A pump, comprising:

(a) a prime mover having an output shaft;

(b) a first cylinder having a central axis substantially parallel to a central axis of said output shaft;

(0) a head closing one end of said first cylinder and having inlet and outlet valve means formed therein, said head including a pair of rigid, parallel plate members and a flexible member interposed between said plate members in a laminated arrangement, said plate members each having an intake valve port and an exhaust valve port formed therein overlying said first cylinder, said flexible member having a plurality of substantially U-shaped slits to form a flexible valve member for said intake valve and said exhaust valve, said intake valve ports of said plate members configured to only permit said flexible valve members associated therewith t0 flex inwardly of said cylinders in response to a decrease in pressure therewithin for permitting ingress of fluid thereinto, and said exhaust valve ports configured to only permit said flexible valve members associated therewith to flex outwardly of said cylinders in response to an increase in pressure therewithin for permitting egress of fluid therefrom;

(d) a piston slidably mounted in said first cylinder;

(e) a plate mounted on said output shaft at an oblique angle with respect to the central axis thereof, said plate mounted to rotate with said output shaft, whereby a surface of said plate has a component of movement parallel to the central axis of said output shaft during rotation thereof; and

(f) means connecting said piston to said obliquely mounted plate for transmitting the component of movement of said plate parallel to the central axis of said output shaft to said piston while permitting said plate to rotate relative to said piston without causing rotation of the latter.

6. A pump as defined in claim 5, further comprising means for mounting said first cylinder on said prime mover.

7. A pump as defined in claim 5, wherein said prime mover includes a housing, and further comprising means for directly mounting said first cylinder on said housing.

8. A pump as defined in claim 5, wherein said connecting means includes a connecting arm, and a pair of slides rotatably mounted on said arm and disposed for slidably engaging opposite surfaces of said plate.

9. A pump as defined in claim 5, further comprising means for lubricating a surface of said plate, including a second cylinder having an open end, a closed end, an inlet port, and an outlet port; said inlet port and said outlet port being positioned opposite one another in a side wall of said second cylinder; a central axis of said second cylinder being substantially parallel to the central axis of said output shaft; a hollow plunger having an open end and a closed end slidably mounted in said second cylinder with the closed end thereof extending from the open end of said second cylinder; said plunger including an aperture extending from an external surface to an internal surface thereof; said plunger being rotatable in said second cylinder to provide fluid communication between said aperture and said inlet port in one position thereof and between said aperture and said outlet port in another position thereof; and means for transmitting the component of movement of said plate parallel to the central axis of said output shaft to said plunger and for rotating said plunger within said second cylinder in accordance with the rotation of said plate.

10. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 5, further comprising means for securing said head, said valve means, and said cylinder to the housing of said prime mover.

11. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein said securing means includes a plurality of bolts arranged to prevent the forces created by the compressing action of the compressor from separating said cylinder from the housing of said prime mover.

12. A pump as defined in claim 5, further comprising an air reservoir tank connected to said outlet passage.

13. A pump, comprising:

(a) a prime mover having an output shaft;

(b) a plurality of cylinders each having a central axis substantially parallel to a central axis of said output shaft;

(c) a head closing one end of said cylinders and having inlet and outlet valve means formed therein, said head including a pair of rigid, parallel plate members and a flexible member interposed between said plate members in a laminated arrangement, said plate members having a plurality of intake valve ports and exhaust valve ports formed therein with one said exhaust valve port and one said intake valve port of each said plate member overlying each said cylinder, said flexible member having a plurality of substantially U-shaped slits to form a flexible valve member for each said intake valve and each said exhaust valve, said intake valve ports of said plate members configured to only permit said flexible valve members associated therewith to flex inwardly of said cylinders in response to a decrease in pressure therewithin for permitting ingress of fluid thereinto, and said exhaust valve ports configured to only permit said flexible valve members associated therewith to flex outwardly of said cylinders in response to an increase in pressure therewithin for permitting egress of fluid therefrom;

(d) a plurality of pistons each slidably mounted in a respective one of said cylinders;

(e) a plate mounted on said output shaft at an oblique angle with respect to the axis thereof, said plate rotating with said output shaft; and

(f) a plurality of connecting arm assemblies each connected between a respective one of said pistons and a peripheral portion of said plate, each said connecting arm assembly including a connecting arm attached to a respective one of said pistons and a pair of sliders pivotally mounted on said connecting arm for engaging opposite surfaces of said plates.

14. In a lubricant pump for use on a compressor having a wobble plate diposed for rotation with a compressor drive shaft and including a cylinder having an inlet port in fluid communication with a lubricant reservoir and a discharge port therein, the improvement therein comprising means for changing the volumetric space within the cylinder in accordance with the rotation of the wobble plate, and means for effecting fluid communi cation of the cylinder with only the inlet port during an increase in the volumetric space thereof and for effecting fluid communication of the cylinder with only the discharge port during a decrease in the volumetric space thereof, and said discharge port arranged to direct a stream of lubricant against the wobble plate to be dispersed radially outwardly thereby.

15. A lubricant pump as defined in claim 14, wherein said changing means includes a plunger disposed in the cylinder and means for moving said plunger inwardly and outwardly of the cylinder.

16. A lubricant pump as defined in claim 15, wherein said changing means further includes means for biasing said plunger outwardly of the cylinder and for biasing one end of said plunger against a surface of the wobble plate.

17. A lubricant pump as defined in claim 14, further characterized by:

theinlet port and the discharge port being positioned opposite one another in a side wall of the cylinder;

said volumetric changing means including a hollow plunger having an open end and a closed end slidably mounted in the cylinder with the closed end thereof extending from the open end of the cylinder,

said plunger including an aperture extending from an external surface to an internal surface thereof,

said plunger being rotatable in the cylinder to provide fluid communication between said aperture and the inlet port in one position thereof and between said aperture and the discharge port in another position thereof, and means for rotating and reciprocating said plunger in the cylinder.

18. A lubricant pump as defined in claim 17, wherein the closed end of said plunger is bevelled at an angle equal to the angle the wobble plate forms with respect to a central axis of the compressor output shaft, and said rotating means includes means for biasing the closed end of the said plunger into intimate engagement with a surface of the plate.

19. A compressor assembly comprising:

(a) a prime mover having an output shaft,

(b) a compressor including a wobble plate mounted on said output shaft for rotation therewith,

(c) a lubricant reservoir, and

(d) a lubricant pump including (1) a first cylinder having an inlet port in fluid communication with said lubricant reservoir, and also having a discharge port therein arranged to direct a stream of lubricant against said wobble plate,

(2) means for changing the volumetric space within said first cylinder in accordance with rotation of said wobble plate, and

(3) means for effecting fluid communication of said first cylinder with only the inlet port during an increase in the volumetric space and for effecting fluid communication of said first cylinder with only the discharge port during a decrease in the volumetric space.

20. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 19, wherein said changing means includes a plunger disposed in said first cylinder and means for moving said plunger inwardly and outwardly of said first cylinder.

21. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 20, wherein said changing means further includes means for biasing said plunger outwardly of said first cylinder and for biasing one end of said plunger against a surface of the wobble plate.

22. A compressor assembly as defined in claim 21, wherein said prime mover includes a housing and said compressor includes a second cylinder, a piston slidably mounted in said second cylinder, means for transmitting a component of movement of said wobble plate which is parallel to an axis of said second cylinder to said piston, valve means disposed in one end of said second cylinder, a head having inlet and outlet passages communicating with said valve means, and means for securing said head, said valve means, and said second cylinder to the housing of said prime mover.

23. In a lubricant pump for use on a compressor having a wobble plate disposed for rotation with a compressor drive shaft and including a cylinder having an inlet port in fluid communication with a lubricant reservoir and a discharge port therein, the improvement therein comprising:

the inlet port and the discharge port positioned opposite one another in a side wall of the cylinder; and means for changing the volumetric space within the cylinder in accordance with the rotation of the wobble plate, and including a hollow plunger having an open end and a closed end slidably mounted in the cylinder with the closed end thereof extending from an open end of the cylinder,

said plunger having an aperture extending from an external surface to an internal surface thereof,

said plunger being rotatable in the cylinder to provide fluid communication between said aperture and the inlet port in one position thereof and between said aperture and the discharge port in another position thereof, and

means for rotating and reciprocating said plunger in the cylinder.

24. A lubricant pump as defined in claim '23, wherein the closed end of said plunger is bevelled at an angle equal to the angle the wobble plate forms with respect to a central axis of the compressor output shaft, and said rotating means includes means for biasing the closed end of the said plunger into intimate engagement with a surface of the plate.

25. A pump, comprising:

(a) a prime mover having an output shaft;

(b) a first cylinder having a central axis substantially parallel to a central axis of said output shaft;

(c) inlet and outlet valve means disposed in a surface of said first cylinder;

(d) a piston slidably mounted in said first cylinder;

(e) a plate mounted on said output shaft at an oblique angle with respect to the central axis thereof, said plate mounted to rotate with said output shaft, whereby a surface of said plate has a component of movement parallel to the central axis of said output shaft during rotation thereof;

(f) means connecting said piston to said obliquely mounted plate for transmitting the component of movement of said plate parallel to the central axis of said output shaft to said piston while permitting said plate to rotate relative to said piston without ,causing rotation of the latter;

(g) means for lubricating a surface of said plate, in-

cluding a second cylinder having an open end, a closed end, an inlet port, and an outlet port, said inlet port and said outlet port being positioned opposite one another in a side wall of said second cylinder, a central axis of said second cylinder being substantially parallel to the central axis of said output shaft, a hollow plunger having an open end and a closed end slidably mounted in said second cylinder with the closed end thereof extending from the open end of said second cylinder, said plunger including an aperture extending from an external surface to an internal surface thereof, said plunger being rotatable in said second cylinder to provide fluid communication between said aperture and said inlet port in one position thereof and between said aperture and said outlet port in another position thereof, and means for transmitting the component of movement of said plate parallel to the central axis of said output shaft to said plunger and for rotating said plunger within said second cylinder in accordance with the rotation of said plate.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,479,876 8/1949 Sherman 230186 3,057,545 10/1962 Ransom et al 230-186 3,352,485 11/1967 Niki et a1 230l86 1,877,285 9/1932 Eckels 230-186 2,122,656 7/ 1938 Paget. 2,361,399 10/1944 High 103-157 XR 2,428,809 10/1947 Parilla et a1. l0315'7 2,864,551 12/1958 Heidorn et a1. 23058 FOREIGN PATENTS 574,156 7/ 1924 France.

94,525 5/ 1922 Switzerland. 140,493 8/ 1930 Switzerland.

ROBERT M. WALKER, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

